St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund (CSF) is seeking community reviewers to assist CSF staff in reviewing applications for our 2023-2026 Core Funding Opportunity.
The Grassroots Funding Opportunity was established in partnership with our Community Advisory Committee. Our Grassroots partners embody what it means to be of and for the community. They are trusted in their communities, their staff and leadership reflect the families they serve, and they provide services to kids and families through a framework based on the strengths of their shared sense of community.
Within the St. Louis region, there has been long-standing systemic disparities that have resulted in a lack of investment in underserved communities. We know more kids could be better served by investing in smaller, community-based organizations that are best positioned to deliver meaningful and innovative services to their communities. This funding opportunity ensures a more holistic portfolio of funded programs through partnering with organizations that reflect the communities they serve. Grassroots is supported through a traditional grant funding model.
Community reviewers are vital to the review process as they provide a unique community perspective. As a community reviewer, you will assist CSF in deciding how public funding is distributed back into the community and help make sure the right kid is receiving the right service at the right time. Community reviewers are not only making a difference in the St. Louis County community, but in the lives of County kids and their families.
We are looking for community reviewers with lived or professional experience in working with kids and families as well as mental and behavioral health services.
Interested applicants cannot currently work for or provide services for organizations that are applying for the 2023-2025 Grassroots Funding Opportunity. Community reviewers must be available for an orientation during the week of May 15, 2023 and May 19, 2023, and from June 7, 2023 through June 30, 2023 for application review and check-in meetings.
During the last Grassroots Funding Opportunity, reviewers had portfolios of 6-7 applications, with each application taking a reported 4-6 hours to review (reviewers spent an average of 35-40 hours total on review of applications). Reviewers will also need to have access to a computer with reliable internet access and the ability to use online reviewing software CommunityForce, which they will receive training on. Community reviewers will also be expected to manage timely communication with CSF staff via phone or email throughout the review process. Community reviewers will be compensated $250 for each completed evaluation, and $250 for the orientation meeting.
For questions or concerns, email CSFGrassroots@stlouiscountymo.gov.
